donna's blog

The best work starts with a simple assumption: young men are not a problem to solve. They are people to understand. Effective support respects their autonomy, takes their concerns seriously, and offers clear ways forward without shame. Trust often grows when the setting feels calm and human. Start with trust before trying to create change Many young men have learned to be cautious about vulnerability. That does not mean they refuse help. It may mean they test whether help is

College Life College life is often characterized by a whirlwind of classes, social events, and newfound independence. This hectic lifestyle can lead to a common stereotype: college kids are flaky. But what are the reasons behind this perception? Here are a few key factors: 1. Overcommitment Many college students juggle multiple responsibilities, including coursework, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. This overcommitment can make it challenging to follow through

Small Steps, Big Momentum Some days, starting feels harder than the task itself. Studying, cleaning, replying, or practicing can feel huge—especially when routines, stress, sleep, or seasonal change. That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or lacking motivation. Procrastination is often your brain asking for support. Let’s make the first step tiny, gentle, and doable. Try this little reset 🌱 Start with just five minutes. Break one big task into one small step. Add light, movement, wa

Social Media and Teens: Navigating the Digital Landscape Social media is now a major part of high school life. For many teens, it is a place to stay connected, share ideas, explore interests, and express themselves. Group chats, school updates, hobby communities, and creative projects can help students feel included and supported. Social media can also help teens maintain friendships when they move, change schools, or feel isolated in person. The Benefits of Social Media Ther

Some kids move through the day as if a camera is pointed at them all the time. They notice who looked over when they dropped a pencil. They replay the way they answered a question in class. They wonder if their laugh sounded strange, if their clothes looked wrong, if a teacher’s neutral face meant disappointment. Even small choices can feel public and loaded. Hyper self-conscious kids are not being dramatic. Their minds are working hard to predict judgment before it happens.

Perfectionism often fuels decision paralysis because it quietly raises the “starting bar” until it feels like you’re required to get everything right before you’re allowed to begin. When every choice has to be the best choice, your brain treats ordinary uncertainty as danger. You end up over-researching, rewriting, and second-guessing, not because you’re lazy or unmotivated, but because launching something imperfect can feel like a verdict on your competence. In that mindset,

Nope. I don't buy it. Along with phrases like "put it into the universe," "manifest it," and "give it up to God," I find these ideas unhelpful. Or the saying, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." Um, no again. Why? Because you and I are working really hard every day to reframe, reintegrate, and re-parent ourselves. Let's give ourselves a little credit! YOU did it. My father used to say this. He published someone's bestselling novel that reached the top of the New

Understanding the Depth of Grief What can you possibly learn in school to prepare you for this level of trauma, shock, sadness, and grief? In my suicide bereavement group, the atmosphere is raw. Participants allow for individual and collective pain points, softening and comforting each other. They engage as if it were a group no one would ever want to join. Because, in truth, it is. I bear witness, gently guiding and holding space for them. I manage the monopolizers and the r

Loss of Control What Falling Dreams Typically Represent Falling in a dream often reflects feelings of losing control or insecurity. This sensation can relate to various areas of life, such as relationships, work, or personal goals. The sudden drop can symbolize a fear of failure or a lack of stability. Loss of control: Many people experience falling dreams during times of stress or uncertainty. The dream mirrors the sensation of being overwhelmed or unable to manage a situati

The Balancing Act of Parenthood When you're traveling, you get tired. I recently traveled to DC to see my wonderfully grown-up kid. She accomplished so much in her 20s—much more than I ever did. But I was exhausted, and out of my mouth came the following sentence: She: "Mom, you seem tired." Me: "I feel as if my entire life-force energy just drained out of me and into you!" It was hot. She did not appreciate this statement and said she wouldn't have kids based on that. OK,

Navigating your 20s can feel like walking a tightrope between exciting opportunities and overwhelming challenges. Whether it’s managing stress from work, relationships, or personal growth, having the right support can make all the difference. Online therapy has become a powerful tool for many young adults seeking guidance and healing in a flexible, accessible way. But how do you find the best fit for your unique needs? Let’s explore how to find the best online therapist for y

Mental health for young adults is a topic close to my heart. Navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. During this time, young adults face new responsibilities, social pressures, and emotional changes that can impact their mental well-being. As someone who cares deeply about fostering healthier, more peaceful lives, I want to share practical insights and compassionate advice to support young adults on their mental health jou

Poppy In my work with clients, I've often encountered a deep sense of cynicism. Why wouldn't they feel this way? They were born into a world forever changed by events like 9/11. My daughter, born in 2001, missed much of her college experience due to COVID-19. Now, she faces a daunting job market and overwhelming debt in a world that feels increasingly flat and uncertain. Understanding Their World How can I help them make sense of it all? I often find myself wishing I could te

xmas day 2025 A Slow Descent from Scarsdale We started moving down from Scarsdale slowly at first. It felt like a sedate drip of loss. Where do you go if you start off high? I don’t just mean in status. I mean in experience and process. Ultimately, you might end up feeling like an ascetic. I’ve been told I have too much clutter, so I guess that’s why. I like to hold onto things. It could have been a divorce like any other. Reflections on My Childhood Wait, I should start earl

The whole reason I went into this thing is because after college I was rather shocked. No longer around thousands of kids my age, I looked around for the gaggle of friends I always had to sustain me. Empty, broken, bored, and scared, I flailed about and got more friends. But what if it doesn't come that easily for you? What if the dating apps make you obsess so much that you would rather read War and Peace at the library? We can say it's a critical time in a child's life

local track - hastings-on-hudson, ny When the darkness starts coming around mid-November and the clocks turn back, many people call me - in fact - the most people call me of all the times of the year! (However, I have read it can happen in ANY season!!). As the Solstice approaches we all have to turn inward a while. It's not a punishment, as my dear Dad would say. I happen to be one of those rare individuals who is BOTH an introvert and an extrovert. I love to be around p

Navigating the teenage years can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. As teens seek independence, it becomes crucial for parents to foster open and respectful communication. Building trust and understanding during this formative period can significantly impact your relationship with your teen. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical tips for improving communication with your teenager and ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open. Understan

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teens. During this critical life stage, teens experience rapid changes in their physical, emotional, and social lives. As parents, understanding these changes and fostering open communication is essential to help your teen feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. In this blog post, we will explore typical teenage behaviors, the importance of creating a safe space for conversation, and p

I've been writing articles on SAD - seasonal depression/affective disorder for more than 25 years. There's not much new to say about it, but there are plenty of more reasons to be SAD. I am working with a lot of teens and young adults right now who are acting out and getting into trouble and doing risky things, which are all normal to adolescent development. What is not normal is running your parents into the ground. In other words, young people move around the world witho

Continuing to grow as a therapist means more than just gaining experience with clients. It involves staying current with new techniques, ethical standards, and research in the mental health field. One of the best ways to do this is by earning therapist CE credits . These credits not only fulfill licensing requirements but also enhance your skills and confidence in practice. Let’s explore how you can maximize your career by strategically using CE credits. Why Therapist CE Cred